Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Montanathon
We know in Montana the need for suicide prevention is tremendous. We also know the ability to receive comprehensive medical genetic services in Montana is a specialty that allows families to receive services without traveling out of state. Shodair Children’s Hospital is part of Montana’s fabric and has been caring for Montana families since 1896 and for the last 50 years focusing on mental health and medical genetics.
As the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in the Treasure State, Shodair is the fortunate recipient of dollars raised by partners in this network. These supporters and events they host are critical to providing care to families who otherwise could not afford services because at Shodair, finances should never be a barrier to receiving care. One of those events is the Dance Marathon, a student-led fundraising effort filled with fun, moving stories, and of course, a whole lot of dancing!
A group of spirited college students at Montana State joined hundreds of other universities across the US in participating in dance marathons fundraising events every year. In fact, when this first began in Montana just five years ago, students in Bozeman raised the most money for a first-time event in the history of the program.
Miracle Network Dance Marathons began in 1991 and is now held on 400 campuses across the nation. These efforts have raised more than $350 million for the 170 hospitals in the network. In just five years, the dance marathon here, known as the Montanathon, has raised approximately $78,000!
This year’s Montanathon is scheduled for March 24, 2024, in the SUB Ballroom at MSU from 2 to 8 p.m. Here you can see pictures from previous years, register, and contribute. Your donation is completely tax-deductible, and 100 percent stays right here in Montana!
Thank you to the student organizers, to Montana State University, and to all the participants who continue to show up, make donations, and dance with intention and infectious enthusiasm! Hope to see you at this year’s event!
For more information contact Keith Meyer at 406.444.7560 or by email at kmeyer@shodair.org.
Staff
Hi! My name is Rachel Hould and I am a senior here at Montana State University! I am the current Executive Director of Montanathon, and love working to help Montana kids. The work that Shodair does is so important right now and it has real impacts for individuals and families across the state. In my free time I love to read books, cook, and spend time outside.
I’m a senior at MSU pursuing a career as a physician. Growing up in Kalispell, MT, I’ve experienced the devastating impact of mental health crises on my community. This inspired me to join Dance Marathon to support those seeking help. In my spare time, I enjoy rock climbing and cooking with friends!
My name is Jacob Kasubick and this year Ill be a senior at Montana State University in Bozeman MT. I’m originally from Colorado. However, over the past few years, I have had the fortunate opportunity to be able to explore Montana’s mountains, make connections with its people, and have come to call Montana my home. I am super excited to be able to be a part of the Dance Marathon Community this year and look forward to lending my hand to the cause.
My name is Chloe and I am the Special Event Coordinator for MSU Dance Marathon. My love for the outdoors and learning led me to Bozeman, where I am currently pursuing a degree in Sociology. When I’m not in school, you can find me with a book in my hand, hiking, or skiing down a mountain. Dance Marathon’s beneficial impact strengthens my belief that acts of kindness and community engagement go hand-in-hand in building a better tomorrow.
Graduated HS in Butte Montana and pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering with aspirations of applying to medical school in the Spring. I struggled with my own mental health when I was young and through my experience have developed a passion for improving access and quality of mental health services in Montana. I love all outdoor activities, and curling up with a good book and hot cocoa.